Bone Abstracts

Background: Bone health is crucial to the overall well-being, particularly during the developmental years of young adulthood. Assessment of Peak Bone Mass (PBM), attained during this period is essential because it provides insights into bone health and can serve as a reliable parameter for assessing the risk of osteoporosis. However, there is no data on this subject among young adults in Nigeria. Therefore, this study assessed PBM among young Nigerian adults using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA).

Methods: The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional with a stratified random sampling. It involved 431 young adults aged 18-30 years who were recruited from Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria. Participants demographic, anthropomorphic, lifestyle factors (dietary habits, physical activity), and family history of fragility fracture were collected using a questionnaire. DXA scans were done to measure Bone Mineral Density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, and the left hip. BMD measurements were expressed as the ratio of the Bone Mineral Content (BMC) to the scanned area in grams per square centimetre (g/cm²) and compared with reference standards.

Results: The study involved 431 participants aged 18-30 years. Female participants were more than males (54.5%, n 235 Vs 45.5%, n 196). Most of the participants (63.1%, n 272) had a normal body-mass index (BMI). Physical activity levels were low, with participants averaging only two days per week of moderate or vigorous activity. Dietary habits indicated frequent consumption of fried foods and a strong reliance on rice for main meals, with very low intake of fruits and vegetables. The result indicated that 86.5% (n 373) had normal BMD, while 13.5% (n 58) had abnormal BMD. Participants attained PBM between the ages 23-27 years. Age and sex were significantly associated with BMD (P 0.05), with abnormal BMD more common among younger participants (1822 years) and males, while underweight individuals were disproportionately affected compared to those with higher BMI.

Conclusion: There is a positive relationship between demographic factors, lifestyle habits, and dietary behaviour as determinants of bone health in young adults. Young Adults in Nigeria attained PBM at a later age than their Korean and Australian counterparts.